A MUSICAL event with a difference was staged at a swimming pool last night at the start of a music and arts festival.

Swimmers joined in as the innovative Sound City Festival, part of the Pontio Project, got underway in Bangor.

Atmospheric poolside lighting changed the usually brightly-lit swimming pool into what organisers described as a “darkened listening venue”.

They were invited to float, swim and dive in water while live music by surrealist group Nurse with Wound was piped through special underwater speakers. Event organiser Dominic Chennell of Llanrwst- arts consultancy Datrys said: “Those who had one ear in the water, and one out, could hear it all and see it as well.”

The event called Wet Sounds also featured a live-art scuba performance by artist Megan Broadmeadow with Helen Howard Jones of Gwynedd Sub-Aqua Club.

Dominic added: “A film was projected onto the ceiling of the pool while swimmers listened to his music.

“This was such a great event to be happening in North Wales, I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring such a fantastic experience here.”

The event marked the start of Bangor Sound City’s programme in the city over the next 18 months.

“We haven’t decided exactly what we’ll be doing yet.

“But the first event will happen at the end of March; some sort of sculpture on the pier which will interact with the raindrops.

“Bangor has strong connections with sound and new music including Electroacoustic Wales, the School of Music at Bangor University and the Bangor New Music Festival.

“Bangor Sound City will strengthen and develop that long association,” added Dominic.